Banana Bread

This is from the old Better Homes & Gardens 'New Cookbook' that I inherited from my Mom.

1.75 cups flour

1.25 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 tbsp milk

1 cup mashed ripe banana

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

Stir together flour, baking powder, soda, and 3/4 tsp salt. Set aside.

In a mixer bowl beat sugar and shortening until light, scraping sides of bowl often. Add eggs and milk, beating until smooth after each addition. Add flour mixture and banana alternately to creamed mixture, beating till smooth after each addition. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Turn batter into a lightly greased 8x4x2 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 60-65 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan to complete cooling. For easier slicing, wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf.